<p>Vice President JD Vance addressed Florida Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon during a campaign event with Rep. Byron Donalds and Sen. Ashley Moody in Florida on Thursday. Vance stated that if Nixon identifies as a socialist, she should leave the country.</p>
<p>Vance remarked, “Ladies and gentlemen, when Angie Nixon calls herself a socialist, I think the right response is to say: ‘Then get the hell out of here. You don’t belong in America if those are your views.’” He criticized Nixon for her stance on defunding the police and abolishing prisons, questioning how she could support both arresting former President Donald Trump and abolishing prisons.</p>
<p>As Republicans face challenges in the midterm elections, with economic concerns and rising gas prices affecting voters, Vance emphasized the importance of campaigning to maintain GOP majorities in Congress. A recent St. Pete Polls survey indicated that Moody holds a slight lead over Nixon, with 45.2% to 44.8% among likely general election voters. The same poll showed Donalds nearly tied with Democrat David Jolly in the race for Florida governor.</p>
<p>The Cook Political Report recently adjusted Florida’s gubernatorial rating from likely Republican to lean Republican due to the competitive climate. Vance expressed confidence in the Republican candidates, stating, “If we tell the truth about Angie Nixon, the people of Florida are going to kick her to the curb and send Ashley Moody to Washington.”</p>
<p>During his speech, Vance was interrupted by protesters, who were booed and escorted out. He dismissed the first protester as a “clown” and suggested that Florida voters would similarly reject Democrats in the upcoming elections.</p>
<p>Vance concluded by asserting that Florida remains supportive of the Trump administration, stating, “If anybody was unsure, I would say by the turnout today, it seems very obvious that Florida is MAGA country.”</p>